Here are some examples, too....
If a polynomial's degree is odd, and leading coefficient is positive:
For example: y = x , which is y = 1x1
degree = 1 , odd
leading coefficient = 1 , positive
As the x values get smaller, the y values get smaller.
As the x values get bigger, the y values get bigger.
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If its degree is odd, and leading coefficient is negative:
For example: y = -x , which is y = -1x1
degree = 1 , odd
leading coefficient = -1 , negative
As the x values get smaller, the y values get bigger.
As the x values get bigger, the y values get smaller.
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If its degree is even, and leading coefficient is positive:
For example: y = x2 , which is y = 1x2
degree = 2 , even
leading coefficient = 1 , positive
As the x values get smaller, or more negative, the y values get bigger.
As the x values get bigger, or more positive, the y values get bigger.
--------------------
If its degree is even, and leading coefficient is negative:
For example: y = -x2 , which is y = -1x2
degree = 2 , even
leading coefficient = -1 , negative
As the x values get smaller, or more negative, the y values get smaller.
As the x values get bigger, or more positive, the y values get smaller.